reconnaissance

noun

re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkä-nə-zən(t)s 

-sən(t)s

: a preliminary survey to gain information

especially : an exploratory military survey of enemy territory

Examples of reconnaissance in a Sentence

There are two helicopters available for reconnaissance.

They did a reconnaissance of the enemy's position.

Recent Examples on the Web

That national security mission, known as USSF-87, carried two reconnaissance satellites for the United States' Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Naruto -- his call sign -- is a 23-year-old sergeant also with the 14th Chervona Kalyna Brigade, serving in an intelligence and reconnaissance unit in the Pokrovsk area. —David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026

Drones were initially used for reconnaissance and spotting enemy positions. —Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026

The Mexican Air Force provided further support with reconnaissance and aircraft, Trevilla said. —María Verza, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, recognition, from Middle French reconoissance, from Old French reconoistre to recognize

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reconnaissance

noun

re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkän-ə-zən(t)s 

: a survey (as of enemy territory) to gain information